Last February 25-26, a museum was set up for people to experience the hardships of the Martial Law era due to the fact that a lot of people - especially the new generation of Filipinos - are not aware of what really happened. The Experiential Museum aims to put a stop to the unfamiliarity and show the true meaning of the revolution’s contribution to our society.

Due to insistent demand, the museum will reopen for the public soon! It will be a fixture in the QCX (Quezon City Experience) at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Use the hashtag #EDSAContinues to inform others of the reopening and follow @EDSA2BContinued on Twitter for further announcements.

#EDSAContinues

THE MUSEUM REOPENS

Last February 25-26, a museum was set up for people to experience the hardships of the Martial Law era due to the fact that a lot of people - especially the new generation of Filipinos - are not aware of what really happened. The Experiential Museum aims to put a stop to the unfamiliarity and show the true meaning of the revolution’s contribution to our society.

Due to insistent demand, the museum will reopen for the public soon! It will be a fixture in the QCX (Quezon City Experience) at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Use the hashtag #EDSAContinues to inform others of the reopening and follow @EDSA2BContinued on Twitter for further announcements.

#EDSAContinues

THE MUSEUM REOPENS

Last February 25-26, a museum was set up for people to experience the hardships of the Martial Law era due to the fact that a lot of people - especially the new generation of Filipinos - are not aware of what really happened. The Experiential Museum aims to put a stop to the unfamiliarity and show the true meaning of the revolution’s contribution to our society.

Due to insistent demand, the museum will reopen for the public soon! It will be a fixture in the QCX (Quezon City Experience) at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Use the hashtag #EDSAContinues to inform others of the reopening and follow @EDSA2BContinued on Twitter for further announcements.

The EDSA People Power Commission is exerting all efforts to relocate the museum in a permanent location. We look forward to your support in building a museum that is a fitting tribute to the heroism of the Filipino people.

The EDSA People Power Commission is exerting all efforts to relocate the museum in a permanent location. We look forward to your support in building a museum that is a fitting tribute to the heroism of the Filipino people.

The EDSA People Power Commission is in talks to transfer the Experiential Museum to a more permanent venue. We will announce the new location as soon as it is finalized. We look forward to your continuing support.

The EDSA People Power Commission is exerting all efforts to relocate the museum in a permanent location. We look forward to your support in building a museum that is a fitting tribute to the heroism of the Filipino people.

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the EDSA People Power Revolution Experiential Museum!
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THANK YOU FOR
REGISTERING!

We have received your request for reservation for
the EDSA People Power Revolution Experiential Museum!
We will send an e-mail to you with your reservation details once it’s confirmed.

THANK YOU FOR
YOUR INQUIRY!

We have received your message.
We will contact you as soon as possible.

THANK YOU FOR
YOUR INQUIRY!

We have received your message.
We will contact you as soon as possible.

Brief History of People Power

The footsteps came at break of light. Agapito “Butz” Aquino reckoned that just twenty people answered his call to gather and march to Camp Aguinaldo, where they would take a stand against the Marcos Dictatorship. But in a few minutes, more footsteps arrived. The crowd of twenty grew into a hundred, and then teemed into thousands. And the march of a few Filipinos transformed into the journey of an entire nation.

From February 22 to 25, 1986, the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution would continue to astound Butz Aquino. Thousands more flocked to Camp Aguinaldo, responding to Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin’s appeal for them to protect soldiers who defected against the Marcos Dictatorship. “I ask you to support Mr. Enrile and Gen. Ramos, give them food if you like, they are our friends," the Manila Archbishop earlier said over Radio Veritas.

Each time the Marcos Dictatorship would send its military forces to stifle People Power, it seemed that another miracle would transpire. Frustrated over decades of injustice, misrule, and the widespread fraud during the snap elections, Filipinos defiantly stood their ground against tear gas and tanks. When General Artemio Tadiar led a contingent of Marines in tanks to attack the rebel soldiers, the people formed a human barricade and held them at bay. When the gunships of the 15th Strike Wing began to circle Camp Crame with orders to attack, the civilians still would not disperse. However, instead of firing their cannons and rockets, the gunships landed on Crame, the pilots disembarked, and Colonel Antonio Sotelo announced the defection of the entire 15th Strike Wing.

People Power also astounded observers throughout the world. Members of the international media documented poignant stories of nuns sharing food with the soldiers sent to hurt them, of strangers linking arms despite apparent differences, and of the music of “Bayan Ko” — banned by the Dictatorship after being labeled an opposition song — triumphantly being sung on the streets and broadcasted over Radyo Bandido.

At daybreak of February 25, the Dictatorship — started 14 years ago through lies and the imprisonment of those who spoke against it — finally fell. The courage and solidarity shown by the Filipino people had defeated the country’s most brutal regime. United States senator Paul Laxalt told former President Marcos: “I think you should cut, and cut cleanly.” At 10:15 am on that same day, Cory Aquino arrived at the Club Filipino and was inaugurated as the President of the Philippines. At 7:30 pm, United States helicopters landed on the Pangarap golf course to pick up the Marcos family. The news was later announced over DZRH: “The Marcoses have fled the country.”

In her inaugural speech, President Cory Aquino, addressed a liberated nation, and in words that would resound through history, described the victory of People Power: “We became exiles, we Filipinos who are at home only in freedom, when Marcos destroyed the Republic fourteen years ago. Now, by God’s grace and the power of the people, we are free again.”

Brief History of People Power

The footsteps came at break of light. Agapito “Butz” Aquino reckoned that just twenty people answered his call to gather and march to Camp Aguinaldo, where they would take a stand against the Marcos Dictatorship. But in a few minutes, more footsteps arrived. The crowd of twenty grew into a hundred, and then teemed into thousands. And the march of a few Filipinos transformed into the journey of an entire nation.

From February 22 to 25, 1986, the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution would continue to astound Butz Aquino. Thousands more flocked to Camp Aguinaldo, responding to Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin’s appeal for them to protect soldiers who defected against the Marcos Dictatorship. “I ask you to support Mr. Enrile and Gen. Ramos, give them food if you like, they are our friends," the Manila Archbishop earlier said over Radio Veritas.

Each time the Marcos Dictatorship would send its military forces to stifle People Power, it seemed that another miracle would transpire. Frustrated over decades of injustice, misrule, and the widespread fraud during the snap elections, Filipinos defiantly stood their ground against tear gas and tanks. When General Artemio Tadiar led a contingent of Marines in tanks to attack the rebel soldiers, the people formed a human barricade and held them at bay. When the gunships of the 15th Strike Wing began to circle Camp Crame with orders to attack, the civilians still would not disperse. However, instead of firing their cannons and rockets, the gunships landed on Crame, the pilots disembarked, and Colonel Antonio Sotelo announced the defection of the entire 15th Strike Wing.

People Power also astounded observers throughout the world. Members of the international media documented poignant stories of nuns sharing food with the soldiers sent to hurt them, of strangers linking arms despite apparent differences, and of the music of “Bayan Ko” — banned by the Dictatorship after being labeled an opposition song — triumphantly being sung on the streets and broadcasted over Radyo Bandido.

At daybreak of February 25, the Dictatorship — started 14 years ago through lies and the imprisonment of those who spoke against it — finally fell. The courage and solidarity shown by the Filipino people had defeated the country’s most brutal regime. United States senator Paul Laxalt told former President Marcos: “I think you should cut, and cut cleanly.” At 10:15 am on that same day, Cory Aquino arrived at the Club Filipino and was inaugurated as the President of the Philippines. At 7:30 pm, United States helicopters landed on the Pangarap golf course to pick up the Marcos family. The news was later announced over DZRH: “The Marcoses have fled the country.”

In her inaugural speech, President Cory Aquino, addressed a liberated nation, and in words that would resound through history, described the victory of People Power: “We became exiles, we Filipinos who are at home only in freedom, when Marcos destroyed the Republic fourteen years ago. Now, by God’s grace and the power of the people, we are free again.”

Brief History ofPeople Power

The footsteps came at break of light. Agapito “Butz” Aquino reckoned that just twenty people answered his call to gather and march to Camp Aguinaldo, where they would take a stand against the Marcos Dictatorship. But in a few minutes, more footsteps arrived. The crowd of twenty grew into a hundred, and then teemed into thousands. And the march of a few Filipinos transformed into the journey of an entire nation.

From February 22 to 25, 1986, the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution would continue to astound Butz Aquino. Thousands more flocked to Camp Aguinaldo, responding to Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin’s appeal for them to protect soldiers who defected against the Marcos Dictatorship. “I ask you to support Mr. Enrile and Gen. Ramos, give them food if you like, they are our friends," the Manila Archbishop earlier said over Radio Veritas.

Each time the Marcos Dictatorship would send its military forces to stifle People Power, it seemed that another miracle would transpire. Frustrated over decades of injustice, misrule, and the widespread fraud during the snap elections, Filipinos defiantly stood their ground against tear gas and tanks. When General Artemio Tadiar led a contingent of Marines in tanks to attack the rebel soldiers, the people formed a human barricade and held them at bay. When the gunships of the 15th Strike Wing began to circle Camp Crame with orders to attack, the civilians still would not disperse. However, instead of firing their cannons and rockets, the gunships landed on Crame, the pilots disembarked, and Colonel Antonio Sotelo announced the defection of the entire 15th Strike Wing.

People Power also astounded observers throughout the world. Members of the international media documented poignant stories of nuns sharing food with the soldiers sent to hurt them, of strangers linking arms despite apparent differences, and of the music of “Bayan Ko” — banned by the Dictatorship after being labeled an opposition song — triumphantly being sung on the streets and broadcasted over Radyo Bandido.

At daybreak of February 25, the Dictatorship — started 14 years ago through lies and the imprisonment of those who spoke against it — finally fell. The courage and solidarity shown by the Filipino people had defeated the country’s most brutal regime. United States senator Paul Laxalt told former President Marcos: “I think you should cut, and cut cleanly.” At 10:15 am on that same day, Cory Aquino arrived at the Club Filipino and was inaugurated as the President of the Philippines. At 7:30 pm, United States helicopters landed on the Pangarap golf course to pick up the Marcos family. The news was later announced over DZRH: “The Marcoses have fled the country.”

In her inaugural speech, President Cory Aquino, addressed a liberated nation, and in words that would resound through history, described the victory of People Power: “We became exiles, we Filipinos who are at home only in freedom, when Marcos destroyed the Republic fourteen years ago. Now, by God’s grace and the power of the people, we are free again.”

A Brief History

The footsteps came at break of light. Agapito “Butz” Aquino reckoned that just twenty people answered his call to gather and march to Camp Aguinaldo, where they would take a stand against the Marcos Dictatorship. But in a few minutes, more footsteps arrived. The crowd of twenty grew into a hundred, and then teemed into thousands. And the march of a few Filipinos transformed into the journey of an entire nation.

From February 22 to 25, 1986, the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution would continue to astound Butz Aquino. Thousands more flocked to Camp Aguinaldo, responding to Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin’s appeal for them to protect soldiers who defected against the Marcos Dictatorship. “I ask you to support Mr. Enrile and Gen. Ramos, give them food if you like, they are our friends," the Manila Archbishop earlier said over Radio Veritas.

Each time the Marcos Dictatorship would send its military forces to stifle People Power, it seemed that another miracle would transpire. Frustrated over decades of injustice, misrule, and the widespread fraud during the snap elections, Filipinos defiantly stood their ground against tear gas and tanks. When General Artemio Tadiar led a contingent of Marines in tanks to attack the rebel soldiers, the people formed a human barricade and held them at bay. When the gunships of the 15th Strike Wing began to circle Camp Crame with orders to attack, the civilians still would not disperse. However, instead of firing their cannons and rockets, the gunships landed on Crame, the pilots disembarked, and Colonel Antonio Sotelo announced the defection of the entire 15th Strike Wing.

People Power also astounded observers throughout the world. Members of the international media documented poignant stories of nuns sharing food with the soldiers sent to hurt them, of strangers linking arms despite apparent differences, and of the music of “Bayan Ko” — banned by the Dictatorship after being labeled an opposition song — triumphantly being sung on the streets and broadcasted over Radyo Bandido.

At daybreak of February 25, the Dictatorship — started 14 years ago through lies and the imprisonment of those who spoke against it — finally fell. The courage and solidarity shown by the Filipino people had defeated the country’s most brutal regime. United States senator Paul Laxalt told former President Marcos: “I think you should cut, and cut cleanly.” At 10:15 am on that same day, Cory Aquino arrived at the Club Filipino and was inaugurated as the President of the Philippines. At 7:30 pm, United States helicopters landed on the Pangarap golf course to pick up the Marcos family. The news was later announced over DZRH: “The Marcoses have fled the country.”

In her inaugural speech, President Cory Aquino, addressed a liberated nation, and in words that would resound through history, described the victory of People Power: “We became exiles, we Filipinos who are at home only in freedom, when Marcos destroyed the Republic fourteen years ago. Now, by God’s grace and the power of the people, we are free again.”

The EPPCEDSA People Power Commission

The EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC), through Executive Order 82 (Series of 1999) was created with the task of perpetuating and propagating the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. The Commission’s functions include initiating activities that will expand awareness of the principles and values which the EDSA People Power Revolution stands for.

Today, the ideals of People Power are manifested through community-building initiatives all over the archipelago. Young Filipinos are starting to realize their heritage as stewards of the spirit of People Power; they are now committing to the belief that when Filipinos move as one, we can achieve positive change. This belief is what the EPPC aims to nurture and spread through different projects like the EDSA Children’s Books, the EDSA People Power Network (EPPNetwork), and the People Power Memory Museum.

The EPPC chairperson is Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa while the vice-chair is Jose T. Pardo. The rest of the board is composed by Commissioner Emily A. Abrera, Commissioner Ogie L. Alcasid, Commissioner Milagros L. Kilayko, Commissioner Anton H. Lim, Commissioner Cesar N. Sarino, and Executive Director Maria V. Montelibano. Along with the rest of EPPC team, they come up with projects and activities which stand as new manifestations of People Power.

EPPC PROJECTS

The EDSA children’s books project is a collaboration between the EPPC and the Adarna Publishing House. The books aim to immortalize the story of EDSA while ensuring that this generation of young Filipinos will grow up feeling proud of their heritage by learning how EDSA brought out the best in every Filipino. In this way, the story of EDSA will not only be a tool for remembrance, but also a permanent source of inspiration for future generations.

Another project of the EPPC is the EPPNetwork. The Commission visualizes that volunteerism and love for country be concretized through the programs that will be implemented in an organization’s respective community. Further, it is expected that through this synergy, Filipinos, especially the youth, may become aware that much can be achieved when working together towards positive change.

The upcoming People Power Museum for the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution will hold memorabilia dealing with Martial Law in and the historic People Power that ended it. There will be a study area where students will be able to access taped interviews of the many people, celebrities and ordinary folk, who have their own stories to tell about those times. It is important that this recent piece in history is accurately recounted, a place where the nation can recall one of the most glorious events of our history.

The EPPCEDSA People Power Commission

The EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC), through Executive Order 82 (Series of 1999) was created with the task of perpetuating and propagating the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. The Commission’s functions include initiating activities that will expand awareness of the principles and values which the EDSA People Power Revolution stands for.

Today, the ideals of People Power are manifested through community-building initiatives all over the archipelago. Young Filipinos are starting to realize their heritage as stewards of the spirit of People Power; they are now committing to the belief that when Filipinos move as one, we can achieve positive change. This belief is what the EPPC aims to nurture and spread through different projects like the EDSA Children’s Books, the EDSA People Power Network (EPPNetwork), and the People Power Memory Museum.

The EPPC chairperson is Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa while the vice-chair is Jose T. Pardo. The rest of the board is composed by Commissioner Emily A. Abrera, Commissioner Ogie L. Alcasid, Commissioner Milagros L. Kilayko, Commissioner Anton H. Lim, Commissioner Cesar N. Sarino, and Executive Director Maria V. Montelibano. Along with the rest of EPPC team, they come up with projects and activities which stand as new manifestations of People Power.

EPPC PROJECTS

The EDSA children’s books project is a collaboration between the EPPC and the Adarna Publishing House. The books aim to immortalize the story of EDSA while ensuring that this generation of young Filipinos will grow up feeling proud of their heritage by learning how EDSA brought out the best in every Filipino. In this way, the story of EDSA will not only be a tool for remembrance, but also a permanent source of inspiration for future generations.

Another project of the EPPC is the EPPNetwork. The Commission visualizes that volunteerism and love for country be concretized through the programs that will be implemented in an organization’s respective community. Further, it is expected that through this synergy, Filipinos, especially the youth, may become aware that much can be achieved when working together towards positive change.

The upcoming People Power Museum for the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution will hold memorabilia dealing with Martial Law in and the historic People Power that ended it. There will be a study area where students will be able to access taped interviews of the many people, celebrities and ordinary folk, who have their own stories to tell about those times. It is important that this recent piece in history is accurately recounted, a place where the nation can recall one of the most glorious events of our history.

The EPPCEDSA People Power Commission

The EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC), through Executive Order 82 (Series of 1999) was created with the task of perpetuating and propagating the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. The Commission’s functions include initiating activities that will expand awareness of the principles and values which the EDSA People Power Revolution stands for.

Today, the ideals of People Power are manifested through community-building initiatives all over the archipelago. Young Filipinos are starting to realize their heritage as stewards of the spirit of People Power; they are now committing to the belief that when Filipinos move as one, we can achieve positive change. This belief is what the EPPC aims to nurture and spread through different projects like the EDSA Children’s Books, the EDSA People Power Network (EPPNetwork), and the People Power Memory Museum.

The EPPC chairperson is Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa while the vice-chair is Jose T. Pardo. The rest of the board is composed by Commissioner Emily A. Abrera, Commissioner Ogie L. Alcasid, Commissioner Milagros L. Kilayko, Commissioner Anton H. Lim, Commissioner Cesar N. Sarino, and Executive Director Maria V. Montelibano. Along with the rest of EPPC team, they come up with projects and activities which stand as new manifestations of People Power.

EPPC PROJECTS

The EDSA children’s books project is a collaboration between the EPPC and the Adarna Publishing House. The books aim to immortalize the story of EDSA while ensuring that this generation of young Filipinos will grow up feeling proud of their heritage by learning how EDSA brought out the best in every Filipino. In this way, the story of EDSA will not only be a tool for remembrance, but also a permanent source of inspiration for future generations.

Another project of the EPPC is the EPPNetwork. The Commission visualizes that volunteerism and love for country be concretized through the programs that will be implemented in an organization’s respective community. Further, it is expected that through this synergy, Filipinos, especially the youth, may become aware that much can be achieved when working together towards positive change.

The upcoming People Power Museum for the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution will hold memorabilia dealing with Martial Law in and the historic People Power that ended it. There will be a study area where students will be able to access taped interviews of the many people, celebrities and ordinary folk, who have their own stories to tell about those times. It is important that this recent piece in history is accurately recounted, a place where the nation can recall one of the most glorious events of our history.

The EPPCEDSA People Power Commission

The EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC), through Executive Order 82 (Series of 1999) was created with the task of perpetuating and propagating the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. The Commission’s functions include initiating activities that will expand awareness of the principles and values which the EDSA People Power Revolution stands for.

Today, the ideals of People Power are manifested through community-building initiatives all over the archipelago. Young Filipinos are starting to realize their heritage as stewards of the spirit of People Power; they are now committing to the belief that when Filipinos move as one, we can achieve positive change. This belief is what the EPPC aims to nurture and spread through different projects like the EDSA Children’s Books, the EDSA People Power Network (EPPNetwork), and the People Power Memory Museum.

The EPPC chairperson is Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa while the vice-chair is Jose T. Pardo. The rest of the board is composed by Commissioner Emily A. Abrera, Commissioner Ogie L. Alcasid, Commissioner Milagros L. Kilayko, Commissioner Anton H. Lim, Commissioner Cesar N. Sarino, and Executive Director Maria V. Montelibano. Along with the rest of EPPC team, they come up with projects and activities which stand as new manifestations of People Power.

EPPC PROJECTS

The EDSA children’s books project is a collaboration between the EPPC and the Adarna Publishing House. The books aim to immortalize the story of EDSA while ensuring that this generation of young Filipinos will grow up feeling proud of their heritage by learning how EDSA brought out the best in every Filipino. In this way, the story of EDSA will not only be a tool for remembrance, but also a permanent source of inspiration for future generations.

Another project of the EPPC is the EPPNetwork. The Commission visualizes that volunteerism and love for country be concretized through the programs that will be implemented in an organization’s respective community. Further, it is expected that through this synergy, Filipinos, especially the youth, may become aware that much can be achieved when working together towards positive change.

The upcoming People Power Museum for the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution will hold memorabilia dealing with Martial Law in and the historic People Power that ended it. There will be a study area where students will be able to access taped interviews of the many people, celebrities and ordinary folk, who have their own stories to tell about those times. It is important that this recent piece in history is accurately recounted, a place where the nation can recall one of the most glorious events of our history.

December 30, 1965

Ferdinand E. Marcos is elected President of the Philippines. He defeated incumbent Diosdado Macapagal by a slim margin of 670,000 votes.

The 1969 elections was one of the most vicious and expensive Presidential campaigns in Philippine electoral history. Both candidates spent nearly 32 million pesos for the campaign; at one point, even Imelda's betrothal and wedding rings had to be pawned.

November 14, 1967

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. was elected to the Philippine Senate.

December 30, 1969

Marcos is re-elected President for another four-year term, defeating Sergio Osmeña, Jr. This is the first Presidential re-election in Philippine history.

January 30, 1970

Students and workers picketed outside Malacañang Palace in January to denounce actions taken by Marcos that would allow him to run for a third term. Known as the “First Quarter Storm,” the demonstrations were violently dispersed by the military.

A series of rallies is launched by radical and moderate student groups protesting the inclusion of politicians in the forthcoming Constitutional Convention and the constitutional provision being considered which would allow the incumbent President to run for a third term. Violence erupts when riot police are unleashed on the students.

February 1, 1971

Students barricade the University of the Philippines campus and establish the "Diliman Commune" after Marcos orders retrieval of the sex tape of Ferdinand Marcos and Hollywood Actress Dovie Beams from UP students.

June 21, 1971

The Constitutional Convention began to rewrite the 1935 Constitution in June.

August 21, 1971

Two hand grenades were thrown at the stage of a Liberal Party rally at Plaza Miranda. Several LP stalwarts are injured, among them Jovito Salonga and Gerardo Roxas. President Marcos suspends the writ of habeas corpus.

November 8, 1971

The Liberal Party wins the majority of the Senate seats. Only two of the Marcos' party candidates are elected.

May 19, 1972

Constitutional Convention delegate Eduardo Quintero of Leyte exposes Marcos' bribery attempt. He alleges that Marcos has been giving the other convention delegates bribe money to make them vote against the Rama resolution which would bar him from running for a third term and his relatives from seeking the Presidency.

November 29, 1972

The Constitutional Convention approved a parliamentary system of government despite reports in the media that they were bribed by Marcos.

September 13, 1972

Ninoy Aquino revealed “Oplan Sagittarius,” a plan hatched by Marcos to put the entire National Capital Region under military control. Three days later, Marcos accused Aquino of plotting with the Communist Party of the Philippines to overthrow the government.

Bombings rocked Metro Manila, targeting department stores and government buildings. Senator Benigno Aquino denounced before Congress "Oplan Sagittarius," a plan to place certain areas of the country under Martial Rule.

The car of Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile was "ambushed." No one was killed.

Ninoy Aquino was arrested and detained hours before President Marcos made the declaration of Martial Law public. He would become the longest held prisoner among Marcos' political opponents and critics.

September 23, 1972

Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law and suspended Congress and the 1935 Constitution, which should have denied him a third term. Marcos appeared on television to announce that the “entire Philippines” was “under Martial Law” by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081. Media was censored; the Constitutional Convention was suspended; and Congress was shut down. Scores of opposition leaders and media personalities were detained.

September 24, 1972

President Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 1, which reorganized the government. This was his first exercise of the legislative (lawmaking) power he assumed by virtue of General Order No. 1.

November 7, 1972

All Philippine media was placed under the control of the Mass Media Council.

January 17, 1973

The final draft of the 1973 Constitution, approved by the Convention in the absence of opposition delegates, was ratified not through a plebiscite but by a dubious viva voce vote of so-called citizen's assemblies. The document entitled Marcos to stay in office.

President Marcos held a referendum to find out if the people wanted him to continue serving beyond his term so he can finish the reforms he began under martial law. According to government figures, 96.7% of the 18 million voters voted "Yes."

August 23, 1973

Ninoy Aquino's letter to his son, Noynoy

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of R.A. 1700, otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act,” and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly, by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel; the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations; I will not put up any defense; I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial; and I will merely await the verdict. In as much as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect that the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possible be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: “Why did you do it?”

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny as it will surely appear too many, it is my last act to defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

Ninoy Aquino was brought to trial before a military tribunal. However, he refused to legitimize the tribunal by participating in the proceedings. He went on hunger strike for 40 days, and sent a letter to the tribunal: "Peace and order without freedom is nothing more than slavery. Discipline without justice is merely another name for oppression. I believe we can have lasting peace and prosperity only if we build a social order based on freedom and justice. My non-participation is therefore an act of protest against the structures of injustice that brought us here."

December 30, 1973

Under the 1935 Constitution, Marcos' second term as President was set to expire on this date.

A Presidential Decree was issued regulating the ownership and operations of radio and television

February 27, 1975

The First Lady, Imelda Marcos, became Governor of Metro Manila by virtue of a "popular draft."

April 4, 1975

Ninoy Aquino's 40-day hunger strike

Trial of Ninoy before a military commission began.

In protest of what he felt was a sham trial, Ninoy began what he intended to be a death fast, subsisting only on salt tablets, sodium bicarbonate and amino acids, and two glasses of water. Despite this, the Military Tribunal forced Ninoy to be brought to the session hall every day.

From: Aquino vs. Marcos: The Grand Collision by Manuel F. Martinez

November 10, 1977

Communist leaders captured

Jose Ma. Sison and other important Communist leaders were captured, bringing the total number of captured members of the party's Central Committee to 20 out of 26.
Source: gov.ph

November 25, 1977

Ninoy Aquino sentenced to death

Military Commission No. 2 declared Aquino guilty of charges of subversion, murder & illegal possession of firearms. He was sentenced to death by firing squad.
Source: gov.ph

April 6, 1978

The night before election day, citizens of Manila held a "noise barrage" as a show of support for Ninoy's candidacy to make him "hear" that they are behind him.

April 7, 1978

Elections for representatives to the Interim Batasang Pambansa were held. The Liberal Party boycotted the elections. The Kilusang Bagong Lipunan won 187 seats over the opposition's 13. In Metro Manila, the KBL, headed by Imelda Marcos, won all 21 seats, trouncing the Lakas ng Bayan (LABAN) headed by Benigno Aquino, who ran from his jail cell. LABAN organized a march to protest the conduct of the elections. Its leaders -- Lorenzo Tañada, Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo, Aquilino Pimentel and Teofisto Guingona were detained.

June 12, 1978

The Interim Batasang Pambansa (IBP) was convened. The Ministry of Human Settlements was created with Imelda Marcos as minister.

"Today, I would like to formally announce that I have no intention of seeking political asylum here in the United States or elsewhere and that I shall return to the Philippines.

But I have decided to break the second covenant because of the dictates of higher national interest. Developments are moving so fast back home that I am now compelled to speak out and warn Mr. Marcos of a terrible gathering storm that may well turn the Philippines into the next flashpoint in Southeast Asia."
Source: gov.ph

January 17, 1981

Martial Law is officially lifted

After declaring on January 16 that he would lift Martial Law, Marcos issued Proclamation No. 2045, proclaiming the official termination of the state of Martial Law in the Philippines. Marcos retained extra-legal powers such as the Presidential Commitment Order (PCO) that allowed him to order the detention of a person suspected of subversion or rebellion.
Source: gov.ph

June 30, 1981

Marcos was proclaimed as re-elected President and was given another six-year term.

President Marcos began his third term as President. He took his oath of office before Chief Justice Enrique Fernando at the Independence Grandstand.
Source: gov.ph

September 20, 1982

Ninoy Aquino's speech at the U.S. House Subcommittee of Asian and Pacific Affairs

Ninoy reaffirmed his decision to continue his fight through peaceful, non-violent means, instead of armed struggle.

"I have chosen to return to work for a peaceful solution to our problems rather than go back triumphant to the blare of trumpets and cymbals seeking to drown the wailings and lamentations of mothers whose sons and daughters have been sacrificed to the god of revolution. Can the killers of today be the leaders of tomorrow? Must we destroy in order to build?"

Soon after, Imelda Marcos flew to the U.S. to meet with Ninoy and dissuade him from returning. Her threats to Ninoy are now infamous: "If he comes back, he's dead."
Source: gov.ph

August 21, 1983

Leading opposition figure Ninoy Aquino was gunned down at the Manila International Airport. The alleged assassin Rolando Galman was also killed.

Aquino’s assassination stirred widespread mourning. People flocked to Aquino's home on Times Street, Quezon City and millions of Filipinos attended the funeral march to show respect and admiration for Ninoy.

Ninoy was buried at the Manila Memorial Park after an 11-hour funeral march from Sto. Domingo Church through 30 kilometers of Manila's streets. Nearly two million people joined along the route of the cortege.

General Ver, 24 soldiers, and one civilian stood trial before the Sandiganbayan for the Aquino murder. Ver took a leave of absence as Armed Forces Chief of Staff.

June 12, 1985

UNIDO nominates Doy Laurel for the Presidency

In its National Convention at the Araneta Coliseum, 25,000 UNIDO delegates unanimously nominated former Assemblyman and Senator Doy Laurel as its Presidential standard bearer to face President Marcos in the 1987 elections.
Source: gov.ph

October 15, 1985

Former publisher Joaquin (Chino) Roces led the Cory Aquino for President Movement (CAPM) which initiated a nationwide campaign for signatures to ask her to run. Cory agreed to consider running on two conditions -- that Marcos call for snap presidential elections and that she be presented with one million signatures endorsing her candidacy.

November 3, 1985

Marcos calls for a snap presidential election

President Marcos, appearing on the American television show, 'This Week with David Brinkley', announced his plan to hold a "snap" presidential election ahead of the scheduled 1987 polls. The Batasang Pambansa later set February 7 as the date of the election. This came amid widespread speculation that the United States was pressuring Marcos to hold elections due to increasing concern over the stability of his government.
Source: gov.ph

November 30, 1985

Roces presented more than one million signatures after Marcos announced the holding of snap presidential elections set for early 1986.

December 2, 1985

Ver is acquitted of Ninoy Aquino's murder. Marcos reinstates him as Chief of Staff.
General Fabian C. Ver, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, and 25 others were acquitted of charges of conspiracy to murder opposition leader Ninoy Aquino. Marcos reinstated him as Chief of Staff.
Source: gov.ph

December 3, 1985

Corazon C. Aquino, the widow of Senator Ninoy Aquino, declared she was running for President. Salvador Laurel, who earlier had wanted to run for the same position, agreed to be her running mate.
Source: gov.ph

February 4, 1986

A delegation of United States senators, congressmen, and private citizens arrived at the Philippines to monitor the elections.

Cory held the UNIDO election eve rally at Luneta Park and spoke to a crowd of more than one million from a makeshift stage.

February 5, 1986

An estimated one million Filipinos attended Cory Aquino’s miting de avance.

February 7, 1986

1986 Snap Presidential Elections

A heavy voting turn-out and the juggling of the voters' list created confusion during the presidential elections, resulting in the disenfranchisement of three million voters. Incidents of fraud, vote-buying, intimidation and violence were reported. Election returns were tampered with.

The National Movement for Free Elections mobilized 400,000 volunteers to monitor voting, challenge wrongdoing, and guard against fraud. Radio Veritas also called on Filipinos to be vigilant against electoral fraud.

February 8, 1986

Cory Aquino took the lead in NAMFREL's tally of precinct results. She vowed massive protests and daily street demonstrations if cheated. The government's counting proceeded more slowly and showed Marcos leading.

International election observers likewise condemned the widespread vote-buying, intimidation, and tampering of elections returns, which were conducted by the Marcos party.

February 11, 1986

Murder of Evelio Javier

Former Antique governor and opposition stalwart Evelio Javier was shot in front of the Provincial Capitol. Batasang Pambansa majority floor leader and concurrent deputy Minister of Public Works Arturo Pacificador, whom Javier had challenged for a seat in the Batasang Pambansa, was charged for the murder.

The Batasang Pambansa formally began the canvass of election returns the same day.

February 13, 1986

President Marcos took a virtually irreversible lead over opposition candidate Cory Aquino in the Batasan's official canvass of votes. This, despite efforts of opposition MPs to point out defects in almost all certificates of canvass opened by Speaker Nicanor Yniguez.

February 14, 1986

CBCP statement on election fraud

In the canvassing of votes, President Marcos suddenly enjoyed a 1.5-million-vote lead over Cory Aquino. Foreign citizens who have monitored the elections criticized the rigging of election results. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines issued a strong statement against electoral fraud. A government that "assumes or retains power through fraud" would have "no moral basis," it said.

February 15, 1986

The Batasang Pambansa proclaimed Marcos the winner. All 50 opposition Members of the Parliament walked out of the Batang Pambansa during the proclamation.

February 16, 1986

Corazon Aquino led the Tagumpay ng Bayan at the Luneta, where she launched a nationwide campaign for civil disobedience to force Marcos to step down.

The White House acknowledged that the election "was marred by fraud and violence perpetrated largely by the ruling party."

February 17, 1986

United States diplomat Philip Habib had a private meeting with Marcos, and then with Cory.

Cory bluntly refused anything less than Marcos' removal from office. She announced that she would go around the country to sound her call for civil disobedience and non-violent protest actions.

Crony banks, corporations and media were hit hard by the boycott.

February 19, 1986

The U.S. Senate voted 85 to 9 in favor of a resolution condemning the Philippine election as fraudulent, while a House subcommittee voted to cut military aid to the Philippines as long as Marcos is in power.

Marcos admitted being “nervous” about the decisions of foreign governments to boycott his inauguration. Enrile wrote the letter of resignation, which he delivered to Malacanang in the following days.

In less than a week since Aquino's call for a boycott of banks and business establishments either owned by or aligned with cronies, there was a total of P1.78 billion in withdrawals from crony banks and the Philippine National Bank, Security Bank & Trust Company, Republic Planters Bank, and Traders Royal Bank. The first to get their money out of the crony banks were groups belonging to the clergy; in Union Bank, the clergy represented at least 12 % of its deposit base. As a result, deposit upsurges were recorded in Bank of the Philippine Islands, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, and Citibank. Bulletin Today, the country's largest circulated newspaper (circulation 350,000) trailed the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya, and The Manila Times. Rustan's department store was empty; most of its customers moved over to SM Shoemart, Anson's, and Robinson's.

February 25, 1986

12:30 am

Marcos's two sons-in-law were supervising the packing of dozens of crates of family possessions, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold bullion and bonds, more than a million dollars worth of freshly printed pesos, as well as artifacts and jewels. These were delivered by boat to a bayfront lawn adjacent to the US Embassy. Weeks earlier, a number of bulkier items, mainly large oil paintings and other works of art, had been packed and shipped out of the country at the direction of the First Lady.

There was little sleep in the palace that night as aides scurried from room to room, sifting through cabinets and boxes filled with documents, receipts and letters, many of them incriminating. Imelda Marcos was able to provide little advice to her husband. She seemed dazed, drifting in and out of her private chapel where she knelt and prayed. Marcos's son Bongbong and General Ver were arguing desperately with him to stay and fight.

3:30 am

The Marines were jubilant over the news that Marcos had just cancelled his order for them to attack Camp Crame using mortars.

Two RF-27 and two C-130 planes used as troop transports took off on a mission of ferrying reinforcements ordered by Ver. The pilots changed flight plans and landed at Clark where they were frozen for the duration of the revolution. Pilots at Basa Air Base did the same thing with five T-33s, ten F5's, and seven F8s. The C-130 from Legaspi City carrying troops to augment the security at the MIA also flew to Clark. The 5th Fighter Wing and the 220th Heavy Airlift Wing thus completed their transfer, lock, stock, and barrel, to the rebel side.

Ferdinand E. Marcos is elected President of the Philippines. He defeated incumbent Diosdado Macapagal by a slim margin of 670,000 votes.

The 1969 elections was one of the most vicious and expensive Presidential campaigns in Philippine electoral history. Both candidates spent nearly 32 million pesos for the campaign; at one point, even Imelda's betrothal and wedding rings had to be pawned.

November 14, 1967

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. was elected to the Philippine Senate.

December 30, 1969

Marcos is re-elected President for another four-year term, defeating Sergio Osmeña, Jr. This is the first Presidential re-election in Philippine history.

January 30, 1970

Students and workers picketed outside Malacañang Palace in January to denounce actions taken by Marcos that would allow him to run for a third term. Known as the “First Quarter Storm,” the demonstrations were violently dispersed by the military.

A series of rallies is launched by radical and moderate student groups protesting the inclusion of politicians in the forthcoming Constitutional Convention and the constitutional provision being considered which would allow the incumbent President to run for a third term. Violence erupts when riot police are unleashed on the students.

February 1, 1971

Students barricade the University of the Philippines campus and establish the "Diliman Commune" after Marcos orders retrieval of the sex tape of Ferdinand Marcos and Hollywood Actress Dovie Beams from UP students.

June 21, 1971

The Constitutional Convention began to rewrite the 1935 Constitution in June.

August 21, 1971

Two hand grenades were thrown at the stage of a Liberal Party rally at Plaza Miranda. Several LP stalwarts are injured, among them Jovito Salonga and Gerardo Roxas. President Marcos suspends the writ of habeas corpus.

November 8, 1971

The Liberal Party wins the majority of the Senate seats. Only two of the Marcos' party candidates are elected.

May 19, 1972

Constitutional Convention delegate Eduardo Quintero of Leyte exposes Marcos' bribery attempt. He alleges that Marcos has been giving the other convention delegates bribe money to make them vote against the Rama resolution which would bar him from running for a third term and his relatives from seeking the Presidency.

November 29, 1972

The Constitutional Convention approved a parliamentary system of government despite reports in the media that they were bribed by Marcos.

September 13, 1972

Ninoy Aquino revealed “Oplan Sagittarius,” a plan hatched by Marcos to put the entire National Capital Region under military control. Three days later, Marcos accused Aquino of plotting with the Communist Party of the Philippines to overthrow the government.

Bombings rocked Metro Manila, targeting department stores and government buildings. Senator Benigno Aquino denounced before Congress "Oplan Sagittarius," a plan to place certain areas of the country under Martial Rule.

The car of Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile was "ambushed." No one was killed.

Ninoy Aquino was arrested and detained hours before President Marcos made the declaration of Martial Law public. He would become the longest held prisoner among Marcos' political opponents and critics.

September 23, 1972

Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law and suspended Congress and the 1935 Constitution, which should have denied him a third term. Marcos appeared on television to announce that the “entire Philippines” was “under Martial Law” by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081. Media was censored; the Constitutional Convention was suspended; and Congress was shut down. Scores of opposition leaders and media personalities were detained.

September 24, 1972

President Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 1, which reorganized the government. This was his first exercise of the legislative (lawmaking) power he assumed by virtue of General Order No. 1.

November 7, 1972

All Philippine media was placed under the control of the Mass Media Council.

January 17, 1973

The final draft of the 1973 Constitution, approved by the Convention in the absence of opposition delegates, was ratified not through a plebiscite but by a dubious viva voce vote of so-called citizen's assemblies. The document entitled Marcos to stay in office.

President Marcos held a referendum to find out if the people wanted him to continue serving beyond his term so he can finish the reforms he began under martial law. According to government figures, 96.7% of the 18 million voters voted "Yes."

August 23, 1973

Ninoy Aquino's letter to his son, Noynoy

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of R.A. 1700, otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act,” and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly, by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel; the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations; I will not put up any defense; I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial; and I will merely await the verdict. In as much as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect that the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possible be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: “Why did you do it?”

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny as it will surely appear too many, it is my last act to defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

Ninoy Aquino was brought to trial before a military tribunal. However, he refused to legitimize the tribunal by participating in the proceedings. He went on hunger strike for 40 days, and sent a letter to the tribunal: "Peace and order without freedom is nothing more than slavery. Discipline without justice is merely another name for oppression. I believe we can have lasting peace and prosperity only if we build a social order based on freedom and justice. My non-participation is therefore an act of protest against the structures of injustice that brought us here."

December 30, 1973

Under the 1935 Constitution, Marcos' second term as President was set to expire on this date.

A Presidential Decree was issued regulating the ownership and operations of radio and television

February 27, 1975

The First Lady, Imelda Marcos, became Governor of Metro Manila by virtue of a "popular draft."

April 4, 1975

Ninoy Aquino's 40-day hunger strike

Trial of Ninoy before a military commission began.

In protest of what he felt was a sham trial, Ninoy began what he intended to be a death fast, subsisting only on salt tablets, sodium bicarbonate and amino acids, and two glasses of water. Despite this, the Military Tribunal forced Ninoy to be brought to the session hall every day.

From: Aquino vs. Marcos: The Grand Collision by Manuel F. Martinez

November 10, 1977

Communist leaders captured

Jose Ma. Sison and other important Communist leaders were captured, bringing the total number of captured members of the party's Central Committee to 20 out of 26.
Source: gov.ph

November 25, 1977

Ninoy Aquino sentenced to death

Military Commission No. 2 declared Aquino guilty of charges of subversion, murder & illegal possession of firearms. He was sentenced to death by firing squad.
Source: gov.ph

April 6, 1978

The night before election day, citizens of Manila held a "noise barrage" as a show of support for Ninoy's candidacy to make him "hear" that they are behind him.

April 7, 1978

Elections for representatives to the Interim Batasang Pambansa were held. The Liberal Party boycotted the elections. The Kilusang Bagong Lipunan won 187 seats over the opposition's 13. In Metro Manila, the KBL, headed by Imelda Marcos, won all 21 seats, trouncing the Lakas ng Bayan (LABAN) headed by Benigno Aquino, who ran from his jail cell. LABAN organized a march to protest the conduct of the elections. Its leaders -- Lorenzo Tañada, Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo, Aquilino Pimentel and Teofisto Guingona were detained.

June 12, 1978

The Interim Batasang Pambansa (IBP) was convened. The Ministry of Human Settlements was created with Imelda Marcos as minister.

"Today, I would like to formally announce that I have no intention of seeking political asylum here in the United States or elsewhere and that I shall return to the Philippines.

But I have decided to break the second covenant because of the dictates of higher national interest. Developments are moving so fast back home that I am now compelled to speak out and warn Mr. Marcos of a terrible gathering storm that may well turn the Philippines into the next flashpoint in Southeast Asia."
Source: gov.ph

January 17, 1981

Martial Law is officially lifted

After declaring on January 16 that he would lift Martial Law, Marcos issued Proclamation No. 2045, proclaiming the official termination of the state of Martial Law in the Philippines. Marcos retained extra-legal powers such as the Presidential Commitment Order (PCO) that allowed him to order the detention of a person suspected of subversion or rebellion.
Source: gov.ph

June 30, 1981

Marcos was proclaimed as re-elected President and was given another six-year term.

President Marcos began his third term as President. He took his oath of office before Chief Justice Enrique Fernando at the Independence Grandstand.
Source: gov.ph

September 20, 1982

Ninoy Aquino's speech at the U.S. House Subcommittee of Asian and Pacific Affairs

Ninoy reaffirmed his decision to continue his fight through peaceful, non-violent means, instead of armed struggle.

"I have chosen to return to work for a peaceful solution to our problems rather than go back triumphant to the blare of trumpets and cymbals seeking to drown the wailings and lamentations of mothers whose sons and daughters have been sacrificed to the god of revolution. Can the killers of today be the leaders of tomorrow? Must we destroy in order to build?"

Soon after, Imelda Marcos flew to the U.S. to meet with Ninoy and dissuade him from returning. Her threats to Ninoy are now infamous: "If he comes back, he's dead."
Source: gov.ph

August 21, 1983

Leading opposition figure Ninoy Aquino was gunned down at the Manila International Airport. The alleged assassin Rolando Galman was also killed.

Aquino’s assassination stirred widespread mourning. People flocked to Aquino's home on Times Street, Quezon City and millions of Filipinos attended the funeral march to show respect and admiration for Ninoy.

Ninoy was buried at the Manila Memorial Park after an 11-hour funeral march from Sto. Domingo Church through 30 kilometers of Manila's streets. Nearly two million people joined along the route of the cortege.

General Ver, 24 soldiers, and one civilian stood trial before the Sandiganbayan for the Aquino murder. Ver took a leave of absence as Armed Forces Chief of Staff.

June 12, 1985

UNIDO nominates Doy Laurel for the Presidency

In its National Convention at the Araneta Coliseum, 25,000 UNIDO delegates unanimously nominated former Assemblyman and Senator Doy Laurel as its Presidential standard bearer to face President Marcos in the 1987 elections.
Source: gov.ph

October 15, 1985

Former publisher Joaquin (Chino) Roces led the Cory Aquino for President Movement (CAPM) which initiated a nationwide campaign for signatures to ask her to run. Cory agreed to consider running on two conditions -- that Marcos call for snap presidential elections and that she be presented with one million signatures endorsing her candidacy.

November 3, 1985

Marcos calls for a snap presidential election

President Marcos, appearing on the American television show, 'This Week with David Brinkley', announced his plan to hold a "snap" presidential election ahead of the scheduled 1987 polls. The Batasang Pambansa later set February 7 as the date of the election. This came amid widespread speculation that the United States was pressuring Marcos to hold elections due to increasing concern over the stability of his government.
Source: gov.ph

November 30, 1985

Roces presented more than one million signatures after Marcos announced the holding of snap presidential elections set for early 1986.

December 2, 1985

Ver is acquitted of Ninoy Aquino's murder. Marcos reinstates him as Chief of Staff.
General Fabian C. Ver, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, and 25 others were acquitted of charges of conspiracy to murder opposition leader Ninoy Aquino. Marcos reinstated him as Chief of Staff.
Source: gov.ph

December 3, 1985

Corazon C. Aquino, the widow of Senator Ninoy Aquino, declared she was running for President. Salvador Laurel, who earlier had wanted to run for the same position, agreed to be her running mate.
Source: gov.ph

February 4, 1986

A delegation of United States senators, congressmen, and private citizens arrived at the Philippines to monitor the elections.

Cory held the UNIDO election eve rally at Luneta Park and spoke to a crowd of more than one million from a makeshift stage.

February 5, 1986

An estimated one million Filipinos attended Cory Aquino’s miting de avance.

February 7, 1986

1986 Snap Presidential Elections

A heavy voting turn-out and the juggling of the voters' list created confusion during the presidential elections, resulting in the disenfranchisement of three million voters. Incidents of fraud, vote-buying, intimidation and violence were reported. Election returns were tampered with.

The National Movement for Free Elections mobilized 400,000 volunteers to monitor voting, challenge wrongdoing, and guard against fraud. Radio Veritas also called on Filipinos to be vigilant against electoral fraud.

February 8, 1986

Cory Aquino took the lead in NAMFREL's tally of precinct results. She vowed massive protests and daily street demonstrations if cheated. The government's counting proceeded more slowly and showed Marcos leading.

International election observers likewise condemned the widespread vote-buying, intimidation, and tampering of elections returns, which were conducted by the Marcos party.

February 11, 1986

Murder of Evelio Javier

Former Antique governor and opposition stalwart Evelio Javier was shot in front of the Provincial Capitol. Batasang Pambansa majority floor leader and concurrent deputy Minister of Public Works Arturo Pacificador, whom Javier had challenged for a seat in the Batasang Pambansa, was charged for the murder.

The Batasang Pambansa formally began the canvass of election returns the same day.

February 13, 1986

President Marcos took a virtually irreversible lead over opposition candidate Cory Aquino in the Batasan's official canvass of votes. This, despite efforts of opposition MPs to point out defects in almost all certificates of canvass opened by Speaker Nicanor Yniguez.

February 14, 1986

CBCP statement on election fraud

In the canvassing of votes, President Marcos suddenly enjoyed a 1.5-million-vote lead over Cory Aquino. Foreign citizens who have monitored the elections criticized the rigging of election results. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines issued a strong statement against electoral fraud. A government that "assumes or retains power through fraud" would have "no moral basis," it said.

February 15, 1986

The Batasang Pambansa proclaimed Marcos the winner. All 50 opposition Members of the Parliament walked out of the Batang Pambansa during the proclamation.

February 16, 1986

Corazon Aquino led the Tagumpay ng Bayan at the Luneta, where she launched a nationwide campaign for civil disobedience to force Marcos to step down.

The White House acknowledged that the election "was marred by fraud and violence perpetrated largely by the ruling party."

February 17, 1986

United States diplomat Philip Habib had a private meeting with Marcos, and then with Cory.

Cory bluntly refused anything less than Marcos' removal from office. She announced that she would go around the country to sound her call for civil disobedience and non-violent protest actions.

Crony banks, corporations and media were hit hard by the boycott.

February 19, 1986

The U.S. Senate voted 85 to 9 in favor of a resolution condemning the Philippine election as fraudulent, while a House subcommittee voted to cut military aid to the Philippines as long as Marcos is in power.

Marcos admitted being “nervous” about the decisions of foreign governments to boycott his inauguration. Enrile wrote the letter of resignation, which he delivered to Malacanang in the following days.

In less than a week since Aquino's call for a boycott of banks and business establishments either owned by or aligned with cronies, there was a total of P1.78 billion in withdrawals from crony banks and the Philippine National Bank, Security Bank & Trust Company, Republic Planters Bank, and Traders Royal Bank. The first to get their money out of the crony banks were groups belonging to the clergy; in Union Bank, the clergy represented at least 12 % of its deposit base. As a result, deposit upsurges were recorded in Bank of the Philippine Islands, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, and Citibank. Bulletin Today, the country's largest circulated newspaper (circulation 350,000) trailed the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya, and The Manila Times. Rustan's department store was empty; most of its customers moved over to SM Shoemart, Anson's, and Robinson's.

February 25, 1986

12:30 am

Marcos's two sons-in-law were supervising the packing of dozens of crates of family possessions, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold bullion and bonds, more than a million dollars worth of freshly printed pesos, as well as artifacts and jewels. These were delivered by boat to a bayfront lawn adjacent to the US Embassy. Weeks earlier, a number of bulkier items, mainly large oil paintings and other works of art, had been packed and shipped out of the country at the direction of the First Lady.

There was little sleep in the palace that night as aides scurried from room to room, sifting through cabinets and boxes filled with documents, receipts and letters, many of them incriminating. Imelda Marcos was able to provide little advice to her husband. She seemed dazed, drifting in and out of her private chapel where she knelt and prayed. Marcos's son Bongbong and General Ver were arguing desperately with him to stay and fight.

3:30 am

The Marines were jubilant over the news that Marcos had just cancelled his order for them to attack Camp Crame using mortars.

Two RF-27 and two C-130 planes used as troop transports took off on a mission of ferrying reinforcements ordered by Ver. The pilots changed flight plans and landed at Clark where they were frozen for the duration of the revolution. Pilots at Basa Air Base did the same thing with five T-33s, ten F5's, and seven F8s. The C-130 from Legaspi City carrying troops to augment the security at the MIA also flew to Clark. The 5th Fighter Wing and the 220th Heavy Airlift Wing thus completed their transfer, lock, stock, and barrel, to the rebel side.

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